Aurora – Antonio Cuda is a daily patron of the Aurora Central Library. He can walk or bike the mile or two from his house to the library, where he works on his laptop, doing research for a book.
But on Fridays, Cuda, 50, has to drive 5 miles to another library that is smaller and doesn’t have the same re sources. That’s because the Aurora Central Library was forced to close on Fridays several years ago because of budget cuts.
“It’s not very convenient for me,” Cuda said.
That inconvenience for Cuda and other patrons changes this week when the city restores days that were cut at libraries throughout the system. Hours are also being extended so people can take advantage after normal work hours.
Aside from the Central Library opening on Fridays, the Mission Viejo and Iliff Square libraries will be open Mondays again.
“When you come to the Central Library on Fridays to do research or get a book, and we’re locked, that doesn’t make you happy,” said Patti Bateman, Aurora’s library services manager. “Nobody wanted to close them in the first place.”
Closing the libraries, which receive about 1 million visits a year, was a tough decision for the city in 2004, but it did save about $200,000 a year. But with better revenue since then, officials were able to restore the cuts.
That’s good news for people like Jason Scoggins. On a recent day, he was busy at the Central Library, on East Alameda Parkway, polishing up his résumé to get a better job.
“It’s open seven days a week now. That’ll work,” said Scoggins, 20.
Staff writer Carlos Illescas can be reached at 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com.
New library hours in Aurora
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
Chambers Plaza Library, 15057 E. Colfax Ave., #C: Tuesday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m.
Hoffman Heights Library, 1298 Peoria St.: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave: Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Circle: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Iliff Square Library, 2245 S. Peoria St.: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information on these changes, call 303-739-6600. For Aurora Public Library locations, hours and other information, go to auroralibrary.org or call 303-739-6600.
